-the word that speaks to our spirits-

Who Are You Praying For?

I am convinced that I am where I am today because someone — I think it was my grandfather — prayed for me. I believe that I am the product of answered prayer.

And IF I really believed in prayer, then why would I ever stop praying for the important things in my life? Without the prayers of people in my life, even when I didn’t deserve them, I would never have made it to where I am today. Left to my own, there is no doubt that I would probably be paying for one of many stupid things I’m sure I could have easily done without God in my life.

“Oh, but for the Grace of God, there go I.” (Not found in the Bible.)

Actually this quote is believed to be a mid-sixteenth-century statement by John Bradford, “There but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford,” in reference to a group of prisoners being led to execution.

Isn’t it the truth!? I am so thankful for God’s Grace time and time again so I can insert my name where John Bradford’s is. BUT…I don’t deserve Grace. Why should I deserve more than the next prisoner? I am telling you it is because of prayer.

I have been reading stories from the Egermeier Bible Story Book in an effort to hear the Old Testament stories from a simple and abridged version to get a fresh outlook on what God did for the children of Israel. Kinda like when you watch Veggie Tales and learn things that you didn’t remember from the Bible. Last week I read the book of Esther.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

That one sentence that Uncle Mordecai said to Esther when she had the opportunity to speak up and do something has caused me to do some soul-searching. She was positioned by God to speak into the ear of King Xerxes and save her people, an entire generation.

So … what-if … God is looking for someone today who would do as Esther, who would be bold and do the hard thing in order to save this generation?

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

I am convinced, after reading the first three chapters of the book of Esther, she didn’t think she could. Is there an Esther today? Someone who is willing to follow the voice of God and change the future for an entire generation?

Then I think about another Old Testament book named after a woman, Ruth. Because of her faithfulness to the woman that God positioned in her life, she was able to leave her pagan homeland and go to Bethlehem, where she met Boaz and became the great-grandmother to King David and in the lineage of Jesus.

Could God be looking for a Ruth today?

Going even further back… what about Sarah? So she was nearly in her 80s and God tells her nearly 90-year-old husband that THEY are going to have a baby. (Okay, y’all, I’m in my 50s with all the benefits of modern medicine today and my grandkids wear me out!!!)

A Baby!

She laughed.

But in the end, Sarah believed God and had Isaac. She gave birth to a child and, in turn, the next generation who would change the entire world. Could God be looking for a Sarah?

I bring up these three gals to make a point. They were just regular women who believed God would do what He said He would do, even when they may not have been sure OR even doubted. But what they all had in common is that they were prayed for.

Esther’s uncle prayed for her.

Ruth’s mother-in-law prayed for her

Sarah’s husband prayed for her.

History was changed because of prayer.

I’m not talking about a one-and-done kinda prayer. Mordecai, Naomi, and Abraham played a vital role in changing history too.

History is written by the intercessor.

Who are you praying for?

21 DAYS OF PRAYER IS FOR YOU

If you sense God has more for your life, 21 Days of Prayer is a great place to start believing Him for all that He has for you. As you practice seeking Him first, He will move on your behalf like never before. You will start to see the power of prayer impact your relationships, work, family, and every area of your life. Whether you join us in person or online, we would love for you to be part of 21 Days of Prayer.

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Cindy Willingham is a landscape designer, small group leader, avid encourager, and sinner saved by grace who is ten years new to Birmingham, Alabama. Her sweet husband of 38 years, two married children and four grand-kiddos fill her life with unbelievable fun and sweet snuggles. She thinks God is awesome and that the best adventure starts with saying yes to that still, small voice. ~ To read Cindy’s BoP Bio clickhere.